This blog is made up from press releases sent to me by Thanet organisations or individuals and information gathered from the Thanet District Council website. If you send me a press release for publication here please make it clear what the title is, which bit you want in the comment part and what you want it tagged at the bottom e.g. Steve Ladyman press release. Press releases should be sent to me by email at this email address michaelchild@aol.com just text and images not pdf.

Friday, 21 December 2012

PUTTING THANET ON THE INTERNATIONAL MAP FOR YOUTH SPORT

Hot on the heels of the UK’s fantastic Olympic sporting legacy Thanet
District Council (TDC) has helped to maintain international interest
through a lead role in facilitating the European Youth and Sport Forum
2012.
The forum, in Larnaca, Cyprus was funded by the International Sport
and Culture Association to encourage greater popular interest in healthy
living, physical activity and sport. James Gregory, Sport and Leisure
Officer for TDC was one of three Health facilitators (the others from
Germany and Slovenia) who made up the team of European coordinators
organising the event which involved over 80 young leaders in sports,
from 28 different countries.
Amongst the many positive outcomes were proposals to improve the
operating capacity of existing sport or physical activity facilities in
schools and in urban green spaces with cycle and running paths. New
sport programmes will also be created, to educate and to promote sport
to all.
James Gregory, said: “It really was very exciting and inspiring to
represent Thanet on a major international project and to play such an
integral part in this kind of important declaration. It will encourage
the Office of the European Union and the Council of Europe to recognise
the importance of sport, health, well-being and physical activity in
everyday life. The workshops and other activities raised awareness of
the current climate in these fields and the barriers that often seem to
prevent us from becoming healthier, volunteering more and being active
citizens.”
In fact James’ role was even more significant - as the only native
English speaker on the editorial team reporting the recommendations of
the Forum to the European authorities and national policy makers!
Cabinet member for community Services, Cllr Iris Johnston said:
“Thanet District Council was represented very effectively. This is a
great opportunity for the Council to show that we are dedicated,
motivated and enthusiastic in keeping Thanet healthy (mentally and
physically) and consistently active in sport. Everyone here is very
proud of James and all that he and the Sport Matters team do.
“There are so many different choices available to remain fit and
healthy now, and that’s down to the hard work and dedication of the
Sport Matters team. Thanks to James’ efforts Thanet is able to align
with European and national policies. - If there is excellent work going
on elsewhere in Europe, then let's learn from it and replicate it here
in Thanet for the benefit of our residents and their quality of life!”
The Forum will be monitoring progress at policy level, looking for
positive shifts in policies towards improved strategies in the health
and sporting fields, together with any resultant reduction in youth
unemployment – so now’s the time to start flexing your muscles if you
feel you can help!.
If you would like to know more, or to find out how to get involved in sport in your area, please email sport@thanet.gov.uk or visit www.thanet.gov.uk/sport. You can also tweet us on #EYSF2012 to let us know your thoughts and feelings on sport.

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